Peter, first off let me congratulate you on the superb job you did in comparing Martin ukes. It was absolutely everything I could've hoped to see in a review. I particularly liked the microphone balanced sound and the fact the you performed the same piece on the various instruments. I've done similar comparisons at Elderly on different types of instruments many times but this was my first chance to hear it from the listeners' perspective. I really dig your playing style too. Cheers, Al
Thank you so much Peter! I've been watching your videos till midnight since I discovered your channel. I'm really amazed by your style, your technique, and your way of talking. You're like a smart scientist who also excels in music! Thank you for making all these videos. I've been picking up ukuleles lately. And you've really brought me to the wonderland of Martin ukuleles.
+Antony Chan : Thanks Antony! I hope you're not losing too much sleep staying up past midnight watching my uke tutorials vids. ;-) I'm a night owl anyway. I've kind of walked into my own style of uke playing by learning from many others and many books and putting it all together. Astronomy is my life long passion so it's sometimes about the music of the cosmos. I just find that the right Martin "star" uke made me really get better and want to play and explore the ukulele to its fullest. 8-)
+Peter Forrest you really got your own style and I love it! It's great to have some hobbies as life passion. Musicians are never bored ;) I used to play guitar too, but now I'm gonna dedicate myself to playing ukulele like you do!
+Antony Chan : Thanks. Best to not set out as a goal to copy other's styles, rather just learn from their styles. Learn techniques and they will incorporate themselves into your playing and your own songs. Explore chord changes. Diddle a lot. Learn the three ways of strumming I show in my tutorial. Learn to read music. That helps bigtime!
Thanks. I am going to do a video with just the Style 2 and 2K since a few people wanted me to show more of them. You won't regret the Style 2. I was playing mine all weekend!
Great playing and demo! I was gonna recommend the S1K but since it was introduced in May of 2023 and discontinued in November, there are very few left in stores. Martin never said WHY they discontinued these beautiful Koa sopranos but with only 6 months of production for only one year, I think it’s logical to assume such a small amount made will make the prices go up on these on the collectors market.
Bonjour Peter, Quelle merveilleuse collection ainsi qu'une belle revue detaillee!. Loved the comparision. I also want to hear more on the Style 2 & 2K. All the best! :-) Mario
You are a great player and singer , I am really enjoying your music; what do you think about the new one, sinker 2023, because I was thinking about getting the Anuenue, until I just saw your video …please comment on it
Thanks a lot, bro. So funny you found me. YT has hidden me since I stopped doing vids. Go for any new Martin uke. It will change you and make the difference.
thanks Peter. The Style 2 is very definitely my favourite too. I have played Martin's prototype several times, but I have yet to try a production model. It certainly sounds terrific on your video.
Man oh man... you like to live dangerously a la UKE as I see! I'm making mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy tonight while my playing my recent OX bamboo uke. Life couldn't be better. Though, I just cracked open a bottle of Chardonnay. hehe It just getting better and better! hehe
That book is very interesting and I read the whole thing leisurely over 2-3 days. One doesn't have to like Martins ukes to like that book. Since Martin goes back to almost of the start of the uke, it's a great historical ride. hehe
Thanks! I'm glad this quick vid of mine has helped a few uke players. I'm ok with dings now. I forgot to mention in my tenor reviews that bigger ukes tend to fall and get dinged. I gave away my S1 to a friend in Germany in late 2012. I play mostly only the style 2 and my fav. cherry 3. That new book about Martin ukes just came out and if you read it, you'll understand their business practices and pricing a lot more. Gotta run, Snape! hehe
Indeed they are somewhat pricey, but they are addictive! Martins are also easy to resell at a good price. I bought all of them new. I paid $1150 + tax for my 2K. I was just playing the 2K all weekend. It's amazing too! Koaloha are fine ukes, but have a different sound. You're buying the famous Martin jangly sound when you get a Martin!
Super fun video, Petey! I really enjoyed that! I'm playing a Martin 3K koa tenor by Kiwaya and I like it a lot. Please review a Kiwaya sometime if you ever get a chance. Thanks for this excellent review! This comparison is essential viewing for anyone shopping for a Martin ukulele.
Thanks. Many people have asked me to do a 2K and Style 2 video and I will after my vacation. However, I also have a new Martin style 2 Tenor and I'm preparing a video for that one!
I got the uke bug about 6 years ago. Been playing guitar all my life. I work on guitars and ukes. Got lucky and found a used s2 like yours and i realize ill never get a uke i like better bo matter how much i spend got a vintage so got 2 s1’s but this s2 is just superior
Thanks. I bought the style 2 in an incremental process. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much money on a uke but having bought all the entry level Martin ukes, I decided to buy the style 2 and 2K right away. I was not dissappointed! Never seen a new 5K. I'm waiting for a new Cherry 3 or I will go for a Style 3 maghogany by September.
Thanks. I need to do another video (been planning but got lazy) just showing the 2's! I will eventually do it. You are bang on to say that the 2's are the best performers for the price amongst the new Martins. I hope to get a Style 3 soon to find out more but a 5 will not be part of my plans. I've never played a vintage Martin, unfortunately.
This is a very nice review. I've been curious about the uke2 for a while. From what I can hear here in this vid, I think it is my favorite sounding of the bunch.
Hi Peter, its been a while since you uploaded this video, thanks for doing it. The Martin Styke2 and the 2K really sound the best. But I will start with the S1, and maybe later i will get a better one.
Hi Peter Really enjoyed the video. Great to see and hear the different models. I run a uke club in Lincoln, UK and last week we tried your showboating ideas from one of your other videos - great fun. Thanks.
Thanks Will. Glad to see Lincoln ain't that far from my favourite stomping grounds of Nottingham! One of the only places in the England I've ever visited but my good friend lives there! Glad to hear the club could make some use of out my mad indulgences on the uke! 8-) If I get back to Nottingham in the future, I'll drop by Lincoln on a day trip to see your club.
Enjoyed this review, thanks. I'm moving up soon from a decent soprano Ohana to a S1, so this review was very helpful. You're a terrific player and entertainer:) Cheers, Chris
I just tested out a C1K in Toronto and it seemed fine to me. Yeah, I've got the style 2k concert now but I give each uke a chance. You should look for Ralph Shaw's Essential Strums DVD. I believe you can buy it and download it now as I just got his most recent newsletter. He's a master strummer with the right hand. Even Lyle Ritz was impressed by him.
Thanks for this highly interesting comparison! Nobody else would buy 5 different new martins and make a comparison like this! ;-) Mighty fine Ukin' too! Regards, Wilfried
Wow, Utube never ceases to amaze, what a great find, well done Peter. It's good to get that 1st ding, then you can stop worrying so much ;) Seems like you can get a vintage Martin for around a grand or so, wonder why the new ones are so pricey. Keep up the great pickin' ; I subbed. Oh yeah, love the hair prof !
Salut Mario, J'ai acheté le S1 chez Steves dans le vieux Montréal. J'ai aussi déjà vu un S1 chez Italmelodie sur Jean-Talon. J'ai acheté un tenor de Martin de l'Italmelodie! Essaye donc les deux d'abord. 8-)
Very interesting video, Petey! I really enjoyed that! I'm playing a Martin 3K copy by Kiwaya and I like it a lot. I've never played a real Martin yet. Thanks for this excellent review!
Hello there Pete! It's IAM =) I love this comparison video of yours. Yup! I agree that Martin ukulele & even the strings itself are jangly =) I tried them on 2 of my sopranos, and they are also loud strings =) Peace to you Pete!
The S1 is a great uke. You would not be disappointed. I have a T1K and I've always liked it except for its high action. I imagine the C1K would be pretty good like the T1K. Action on a C1K, no idea. I haven't bought a concert size yet but I was looking at the style 2 concert uke and my uke budget!! hehe I just received my style 2K tenor so I should cool it for a bit. I would start with the S1, get used to uke playing and then move up to a concert.
That 2k has a mellow kind of innocent sound, but the S2 seems to have a fuller more forward sound to it. Very close to buying an S2 before watching your vid. Now I'm pretty certain..Gee thanks a lot... lol ! I have a Kamaka Soprano, and agree, both are wonderful sounding, but very different. Thanks for posting your reviews, great job!
Hey Petey, I enjoy your you-tube and recently went back through several, when I came upon the comparison of several martin soprano's. Was interested in the S1 as I do not have a soprano in my collection. Well found one in a music store not too far away and stopped by after work on Thursday to check it out. I have two Martin Guitars a OM-28 and a D12-28 twelve string that are very nice and really like Martin and their quality. So back to the music store, was very impressed with the tone and sound and just how much it projected for such a small instrument. After playing it just a little I noticed as I moved up the neck the more difficult it was to fret. Took a look at the action, perfect till the fourth fret, then became a ski slope. Wow very dissapointing, I asked if they had another one in stock to compare it to, no was the answer. Not sure if this was just a fluke or a made in Mexico issue. The shop agreed that the action was high and said they could sand file adjust the action down which made me nervous since to lower the bridge would also lower the action on the first four frets as well that could produce a buzz. I passed and checked with other music stores in may area, which I live in the St. Louis area. Nothing in stock but they all will order it if you pay first, sight unseen makes me nervous. Just wondering if your Martins have the action low or they vary in height? To me playability is way up on the list of priority, the sound was very impresive and overall build was aceptable. Maybe I should try to find a higher grade one made at the Nazzerth factory, but now I am back to no stores will stock the lower price ones they certainly do not stock the higher quaility ones. Isn't life fun with these delema's? Thanks again for your videos, Denny
Hi Denny... just to let you know that Martin uke action is high. It's not low at all. The new tenors are very high. The S1 gets high but the S2 (no longer available which I have) was much better. The style 3 sopranos like my cherry uke have low action but most Martin ukes are not low. I guess Martin make them like that. They sound so great and play great but you have to press hard at times up the fretboard like a grand piano. They keys require pressure. Sorry to break the news to you. Hawaiian soprano ukes have way lower action like Kamaka.
@@PeteyHoudini Thanks Petey for the info, I was not expecting it to be normal I thought it may be a quality control issue with the Mexico factory. The sound was outstanding for such a little thing. Thanks again for your response. Denny
I enjoyed your video and comparison of the Martin Soprano's. I have a friend with a very old mahogany Martin soprano. He won't let me touch it because I have tenor hands. Have you got a link to that version of "Somebody Got Lost"?
+Heather Armstrong : Thanks. Martin has since taken many of those sopranos out of production. I hope to get more of my original songs that I've written on the ukulele into some more vids to share what can be composed on such a nice instrument. Just, been too distracted.
Nice review. I agree that the Style 2 sounds the best. The 2K is nice also, a little bit warmer. I own a S1 and I enjoy playing it alot. I think they sound great for the money. Thanks for the great review. Greetings from Newfoundland.
Hi Peter, just wondering how you'd describe the difference between the Style 2 mahogany and the S1 and if its really worth the $1000 difference or are there any other brands/ models in-between. Thanks Vince
Hi Vincent. It doesn't really matter now since Martin aren't making the style 2 except via the custom shop which would be a lot more expensive. Pricewise, I have no idea how that works out there in the music stores with remaining style 2s. I have been playing my style 2 all weekend and it rocks. The S1 was pretty good, but I'd rather put it to bed when it comes to an S2. The S2 is worth every penny.
Assuming the style 3 is still available, why did you choose to buy the 2 instead of the 3, other than perhaps price? Also, have you played any of the style 5s, or is that for another time? Meanwhile, many thanx for a very professional review from the owner/player of a few vintage Martin ukuleles who had been very curious about the ukes Martin is making this second time around, so to speak. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this review. Not mention how much I admire your playing skill.
Rewatching this video again, gather more UAS. By the way Martin must have watched this...They now place a rosette around the sound hole of the OXK models.It a w/b/w style. They also changed the Martin sticker for the headstock to a more realistic looking so sticker.
+Tiki Den : Wow. You have good observational skills about the rosette on OXK. I noticed it didn't have one. Looked a little bare. The OXK is a great uke. I wrote two of my songs about Berlin on it. I even brought mine to Berlin. I gave mine away to a coworker who is also a guitarist who gave me the idea for the spiders scales. I wasn't playing it much once I had the style 2 and the 3 cherry. I thought someone could make use of it and not sadly sit in its gig bag.
Great video Peter, I really want the laminate soprano oxk. I played it and I love it. That Koa one is awesome looking but I can't afford it right now. Thank you for great demos BRO.
+Alex Van Keulen : I heard it said before by a few people that laminates don't need any humidification, but the neck is still wood and any shrinkage causes the metal fret edges to get sharp. It also depends on the humidity of your place. I would get one and use it. Last summer, I didn't put in my air conditioner and my apartment was very humid and I took all my ukes out of their cases and they never sounded better being bathed in that humidity for two months. No joke. That surprised me.
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to hear these compared on the same mic/same sitting. I love the sound of the S1 and it is well within my budget, but I have my eye on a C1K, which is at the edge of my budget. Any experience with the Mexican-made C1K or advice for a beginning player trying to decide between these two instruments? Either size is fine by me, but I'm really looking for some bang for my buck.
If you're buying new Martin ukes made in Mexico as some kind of an investment plan, you'd better stop right now. Put your money elsewhere. A uke is a musical instrument and any perceived value is what you'd get by putting it on eBay, Kiiji, etc. cheerio! Petey
Indeed. The acting contracts ran out when the HP movies finished, and I had to sell the grand piano to pay the rent, so I'm puttering on Martin ukes now. ;-) LOL hehe
I’m from korea and have a martin custom-shop guitar and i really love it so i wanted to buy an ukulele too , i have an dilemma between s1 and 2k because where they’re made from 2k sounds definitely better the problem is the price 😭
I assume you are talking about soprano ukes. I would go for the custom Martin style 2 mahogany. I preferred that one, but they are all expensive. The S1 is fine but not at the higher quality level.
You're right! The mahogany Style 2 is the best sounding of the group....but they all sound great. I love the sound of the minor chords on these! Really nice video. One of the things that I love about Martin guitars and ukuleles...they have a smell that makes them all worth $1,000.00! Thanks for the video!
You're welcome. I love my style 2 the best, then the 3 cherry. I've played all of the new Martin sopranos except for the 5k and those two are my favs. Never had a Martin guitar but I will one of these days.
Hey...I have a 1963 Martin D-28 (Brazilian Rosewood) that my Dad bought new. The original price tag is still in the case.... $369.50 (I believe). :-) That guitar has been in the family so long, I can hold my ear to it and hear music even when no one is playing it! ALL of your Ukes are great, and it was great to hear them all side by side by side!
Your dad certainly likes great guitars! I'm actually giving away a few of my not often used Martin ukes to my closest friends who play uke. My keepers are: 1) style 2 soprano 2) 3 cherry 3) style 2k concert 4) style 2k tenor.
Peter thank you for your videos !! I am going to buy a Martin S1 next week. I was wondering if buying a hardcase is necessary? Do you keep yours in a hardcase? I feel like the gig bag do not protect the instruments from humidity fluctuations.
You are a pleasure to pleasure to listen to. I am a beginner uke player and I am so thoroughly enjoying the learning process. You really show what the potential is with this instrument. Don't think i will ever be near your talents, but it's something to strive for. You are also so entertaining to listen to you just talk. I gather from some of your other videos you have essentially given up guitar. is that right? and what made you make the switch?
Thanks for your nice comments. I played guitar since the age of 12 and I wrote a lot of songs on it over the years. However, I was playing mostly piano instead before I found the uke 10 years ago. I needed a small travelling instrument that I could sing with so the uke came to my mind by seeing them in a music store. Also, knowing the guitar helps to learn the uke at first, but I'm using techniques I never used on the guitar. This little instrument has taken me further musically than the guitar ever did. So, I stopped the guitar completely. This is common thing that happens to some uke players. Though, there is no reason to give up the guitar. One can do both. I just only have time for one and it's easier to carry and travel with.
Thanks for the great review and fantastic playing. I love and own a few vintage Martins (i.e., twenties 1M's, OM, 2M, and 1K) and a 40 1M. I haven't been impressed by new Martins (owned an SO and played a 5K [beautiful but overpriced]). Your video shows that the modern 2's perform quite well, but have you've played them against any vintage Martins? There's sound variation in vintage Martins (my 40's 1M sounds better than my 20's) so you'd have to find the right one for comparison. TIA, g2
The style 2 fits into the standard hard soprano case. I find Uke Crazy cases are very heavy. I ordered a style 3 case from my Martin dealer. You can order one separately. I think they are called Crossrock ABS soprano ukulele case.
dont you think they are too expensive? always wanted one of those... I like them, but i Think a big Island Ukulele or a koaloha is better for the same price... did you buy them new or used? how much was the 2K
+technoalah : Thanks, but it's been varied over the years... you should really ask the question "How many good ukuleles do I own?"... I would say about 7 now.
Try to get the best uke you can afford (within reason) when starting. I spent years tuning my bad ukes while learning and not getting much better in my playing. Good luck!
@@akipachoekie : Hi Mario.. they don't make them anymore. Just Google Martin and the term Ukulele and you can see what they still make. You could (if you have a stash of cash) go to the Martin custom shop on their website and ask for one. They will make you one for a price. I know they do that.
I actually gave the Koa 2 away a number of years back to a friend. I did use it in a song a did about Glen Gould. The 3 cherry sounds best for my style but I didn't have it back then.
Peter Forrest Thanks for getting back to me. The topic came up on the Cosmos concerning light weight ukes and the vintage Martins were very light compared to modern ukes. I suspect the new Martins made in Nazareth are similar to the vintage US models.
I have an S-1 but the bracing doesn't go all the way across and a piece of the top broke off right where the bracing stops about an inch short of edge :( You must not be raising kids - you have ukes instead! Love my kids, but it's a sacrifice.
Marvelous! I really enjoyed hearing you discuss each of the ukuleles and hearing you play & sing.
Peter,
first off let me congratulate you on the superb job you did in comparing Martin ukes. It was absolutely everything I could've hoped to see in a review. I particularly liked the microphone balanced sound and the fact the you performed the same piece on the various instruments. I've done similar comparisons at Elderly on different types of instruments many times but this was my first chance to hear it from the listeners' perspective. I really dig your playing style too.
Cheers, Al
Thank you so much Peter! I've been watching your videos till midnight since I discovered your channel. I'm really amazed by your style, your technique, and your way of talking. You're like a smart scientist who also excels in music! Thank you for making all these videos.
I've been picking up ukuleles lately. And you've really brought me to the wonderland of Martin ukuleles.
+Antony Chan : Thanks Antony! I hope you're not losing too much sleep staying up past midnight watching my uke tutorials vids. ;-) I'm a night owl anyway. I've kind of walked into my own style of uke playing by learning from many others and many books and putting it all together. Astronomy is my life long passion so it's sometimes about the music of the cosmos. I just find that the right Martin "star" uke made me really get better and want to play and explore the ukulele to its fullest. 8-)
+Peter Forrest you really got your own style and I love it! It's great to have some hobbies as life passion. Musicians are never bored ;) I used to play guitar too, but now I'm gonna dedicate myself to playing ukulele like you do!
+Antony Chan : Thanks. Best to not set out as a goal to copy other's styles, rather just learn from their styles. Learn techniques and they will incorporate themselves into your playing and your own songs. Explore chord changes. Diddle a lot. Learn the three ways of strumming I show in my tutorial. Learn to read music. That helps bigtime!
Thanks. I am going to do a video with just the Style 2 and 2K since a few people wanted me to show more of them. You won't regret the Style 2. I was playing mine all weekend!
Great playing and demo! I was gonna recommend the S1K but since it was introduced in May of 2023 and discontinued in November, there are very few left in stores. Martin never said WHY they discontinued these beautiful Koa sopranos but with only 6 months of production for only one year, I think it’s logical to assume such a small amount made will make the prices go up on these on the collectors market.
Bonjour Peter,
Quelle merveilleuse collection ainsi qu'une belle revue detaillee!.
Loved the comparision. I also want to hear more on the Style 2 & 2K.
All the best! :-)
Mario
Yep Peter, I agree with you. Your Style 2 does sound VERY good. It's sound seems a lot clearer.
You are a great player and singer , I am really enjoying your music; what do you think about the new one, sinker 2023, because I was thinking about getting the Anuenue, until I just saw your video …please comment on it
Thanks a lot, bro. So funny you found me. YT has hidden me since I stopped doing vids. Go for any new Martin uke. It will change you and make the difference.
thanks Peter. The Style 2 is very definitely my favourite too. I have played Martin's prototype several times, but I have yet to try a production model. It certainly sounds terrific on your video.
Ok Peter I just ordered my Oxk today I can't wait to get it next week!
Man oh man... you like to live dangerously a la UKE as I see! I'm making mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy tonight while my playing my recent OX bamboo uke. Life couldn't be better. Though, I just cracked open a bottle of Chardonnay. hehe It just getting better and better! hehe
Very interresting, I got Martin S-0 and I'am enjoy of his song.
Merci!
That book is very interesting and I read the whole thing leisurely over 2-3 days. One doesn't have to like Martins ukes to like that book. Since Martin goes back to almost of the start of the uke, it's a great historical ride. hehe
Thanks! I'm glad this quick vid of mine has helped a few uke players. I'm ok with dings now. I forgot to mention in my tenor reviews that bigger ukes tend to fall and get dinged. I gave away my S1 to a friend in Germany in late 2012. I play mostly only the style 2 and my fav. cherry 3. That new book about Martin ukes just came out and if you read it, you'll understand their business practices and pricing a lot more. Gotta run, Snape! hehe
Indeed they are somewhat pricey, but they are addictive! Martins are also easy to resell at a good price. I bought all of them new. I paid $1150 + tax for my 2K. I was just playing the 2K all weekend. It's amazing too! Koaloha are fine ukes, but have a different sound. You're buying the famous Martin jangly sound when you get a Martin!
Super fun video, Petey! I really enjoyed that! I'm playing a Martin 3K koa tenor by Kiwaya and I like it a lot. Please review a Kiwaya sometime if you ever get a chance. Thanks for this excellent review! This comparison is essential viewing for anyone shopping for a Martin ukulele.
Thanks. Many people have asked me to do a 2K and Style 2 video and I will after my vacation. However, I also have a new Martin style 2 Tenor and I'm preparing a video for that one!
Thanks for the comments. I've lately been giving the 2k another chance and it is great too, but I can't get over my fondness for the style 2.
I got the uke bug about 6 years ago. Been playing guitar all my life. I work on guitars and ukes. Got lucky and found a used s2 like yours and i realize ill never get a uke i like better bo matter how much i spend got a vintage so got 2 s1’s but this s2 is just superior
Thanks. I bought the style 2 in an incremental process. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much money on a uke but having bought all the entry level Martin ukes, I decided to buy the style 2 and 2K right away. I was not dissappointed! Never seen a new 5K. I'm waiting for a new Cherry 3 or I will go for a Style 3 maghogany by September.
Thanks for the thorough review. You play great, and your explanations are very helpful to a ukulele newbie like me.
Thanks, dude. It's just too bad that Martin have taken away their style 2 and 3 sopranos and only offer the S1 and OXK/Bamboo now.
Thanks. I need to do another video (been planning but got lazy) just showing the 2's! I will eventually do it. You are bang on to say that the 2's are the best performers for the price amongst the new Martins. I hope to get a Style 3 soon to find out more but a 5 will not be part of my plans. I've never played a vintage Martin, unfortunately.
Peter, great video, I bought an S1 based on your review. Thx
Thanks. The S1 is great.
Thank you for the helpful comparison, nice playing and nice collection.
This is a very nice review. I've been curious about the uke2 for a while. From what I can hear here in this vid, I think it is my favorite sounding of the bunch.
Yes. I just threw a few background things together. It's better sideways so one doesn't always look at it and get distracted.
Hi Peter, its been a while since you uploaded this video, thanks for doing it. The Martin Styke2 and the 2K really sound the best. But I will start with the S1, and maybe later i will get a better one.
The S1 is a totally respectable uke. You will love it.
Hi Peter
Really enjoyed the video. Great to see and hear the different models. I run a uke club in Lincoln, UK and last week we tried your showboating ideas from one of your other videos - great fun. Thanks.
Thanks Will. Glad to see Lincoln ain't that far from my favourite stomping grounds of Nottingham! One of the only places in the England I've ever visited but my good friend lives there! Glad to hear the club could make some use of out my mad indulgences on the uke! 8-) If I get back to Nottingham in the future, I'll drop by Lincoln on a day trip to see your club.
You'd be welcome anytime.
Enjoyed this review, thanks. I'm moving up soon from a decent soprano Ohana to a S1, so this review was very helpful. You're a terrific player and entertainer:) Cheers, Chris
Glad it helped! I did that vid years ago but people still appreciate it. Thanks. An S1 soprano is so far better than most soprano ukes.
Glad you enjoyed it! Enjoy that S1 too!!!
Very nice review! I have yet to own a "new" Martin uke, but you have made me very interested in them.
I just tested out a C1K in Toronto and it seemed fine to me. Yeah, I've got the style 2k concert now but I give each uke a chance. You should look for Ralph Shaw's Essential Strums DVD. I believe you can buy it and download it now as I just got his most recent newsletter. He's a master strummer with the right hand. Even Lyle Ritz was impressed by him.
Thank you Peter, I'll definitely give the soprano another look.
Great review and nice playing. I agree that that style 2 sounds the best. I would like to play one in person some day.
Thanks Ken. I've always appreciated your approach to reviewing ukuleles so I took a similar path. 8-)
Thank you for your reviews!You remind Severus Snape very much)
The rumour is that he is dead, but I don't believe it! He might be teaching uke lessons elsewhere. hehe
Thanks for this highly interesting comparison! Nobody else would buy 5 different new martins and make a comparison like this! ;-)
Mighty fine Ukin' too!
Regards, Wilfried
A number of people have asked me to show the the 2K and Style 2 more clearly so I'm going to do a video of that in a few weeks.
your face illuminates when you start singing. keep it up!
Thanks! 8-)
They are the Martin M600 soprano fluorocarbon. They are the original strings. I never changed them.
Wow, Utube never ceases to amaze, what a great find, well done Peter. It's good to get that 1st ding, then you can stop worrying so much ;) Seems like you can get a vintage Martin for around a grand or so, wonder why the new ones are so pricey. Keep up the great pickin' ; I subbed. Oh yeah, love the hair prof !
Salut Mario, J'ai acheté le S1 chez Steves dans le vieux Montréal. J'ai aussi déjà vu un S1 chez Italmelodie sur Jean-Talon. J'ai acheté un tenor de Martin de l'Italmelodie! Essaye donc les deux d'abord. 8-)
You should be sponsored for such a good comparison video, then you spent a lot of money, for all these superior ukuleles!
Very interesting video, Petey! I really enjoyed that! I'm playing a Martin 3K copy by Kiwaya and I like it a lot. I've never played a real Martin yet. Thanks for this excellent review!
I plan to record it as separate video very soon and I will put up the sheet music/chords at that time. Stay tuned!
Hello there Pete! It's IAM =) I love this comparison video of yours. Yup! I agree that Martin ukulele & even the strings itself are jangly =) I tried them on 2 of my sopranos, and they are also loud strings =) Peace to you Pete!
Thanks guy. I haven't changed my mind on those Martin sopranos one bit!!! hehe
The S1 is a great uke. You would not be disappointed. I have a T1K and I've always liked it except for its high action. I imagine the C1K would be pretty good like the T1K. Action on a C1K, no idea. I haven't bought a concert size yet but I was looking at the style 2 concert uke and my uke budget!! hehe I just received my style 2K tenor so I should cool it for a bit. I would start with the S1, get used to uke playing and then move up to a concert.
That 2k has a mellow kind of innocent sound, but the S2 seems to have a fuller more forward sound to it. Very close to buying an S2 before watching your vid. Now I'm pretty certain..Gee thanks a lot... lol ! I have a Kamaka Soprano, and agree, both are wonderful sounding, but very different. Thanks for posting your reviews, great job!
Hey Petey, I enjoy your you-tube and recently went back through several, when I came upon the comparison of several martin soprano's. Was interested in the S1 as I do not have a soprano in my collection. Well found one in a music store not too far away and stopped by after work on Thursday to check it out. I have two Martin Guitars a OM-28 and a D12-28 twelve string that are very nice and really like Martin and their quality. So back to the music store, was very impressed with the tone and sound and just how much it projected for such a small instrument. After playing it just a little I noticed as I moved up the neck the more difficult it was to fret. Took a look at the action, perfect till the fourth fret, then became a ski slope. Wow very dissapointing, I asked if they had another one in stock to compare it to, no was the answer. Not sure if this was just a fluke or a made in Mexico issue. The shop agreed that the action was high and said they could sand file adjust the action down which made me nervous since to lower the bridge would also lower the action on the first four frets as well that could produce a buzz. I passed and checked with other music stores in may area, which I live in the St. Louis area. Nothing in stock but they all will order it if you pay first, sight unseen makes me nervous. Just wondering if your Martins have the action low or they vary in height? To me playability is way up on the list of priority, the sound was very impresive and overall build was aceptable. Maybe I should try to find a higher grade one made at the Nazzerth factory, but now I am back to no stores will stock the lower price ones they certainly do not stock the higher quaility ones. Isn't life fun with these delema's? Thanks again for your videos, Denny
Hi Denny... just to let you know that Martin uke action is high. It's not low at all. The new tenors are very high. The S1 gets high but the S2 (no longer available which I have) was much better. The style 3 sopranos like my cherry uke have low action but most Martin ukes are not low. I guess Martin make them like that. They sound so great and play great but you have to press hard at times up the fretboard like a grand piano. They keys require pressure. Sorry to break the news to you. Hawaiian soprano ukes have way lower action like Kamaka.
@@PeteyHoudini Thanks Petey for the info, I was not expecting it to be normal I thought it may be a quality control issue with the Mexico factory. The sound was outstanding for such a little thing. Thanks again for your response. Denny
I enjoyed your video and comparison of the Martin Soprano's. I have a friend with a very old mahogany Martin soprano. He won't let me touch it because I have tenor hands. Have you got a link to that version of "Somebody Got Lost"?
Very nice ukes and original songs.
+Heather Armstrong : Thanks. Martin has since taken many of those sopranos out of production. I hope to get more of my original songs that I've written on the ukulele into some more vids to share what can be composed on such a nice instrument. Just, been too distracted.
Thnx, for your review ...I watched it many times and I have the S1 now too ;-)
Nice review. I agree that the Style 2 sounds the best. The 2K is nice also, a little bit warmer. I own a S1 and I enjoy playing it alot. I think they sound great for the money. Thanks for the great review. Greetings from Newfoundland.
Great comparison and playing. Thanks.
Hi Peter, just wondering how you'd describe the difference between the Style 2 mahogany and the S1 and if its really worth the $1000 difference or are there any other brands/ models in-between. Thanks Vince
Hi Vincent. It doesn't really matter now since Martin aren't making the style 2 except via the custom shop which would be a lot more expensive. Pricewise, I have no idea how that works out there in the music stores with remaining style 2s. I have been playing my style 2 all weekend and it rocks. The S1 was pretty good, but I'd rather put it to bed when it comes to an S2. The S2 is worth every penny.
Auch wenn ich jetzt nicht ein Martin Ukulelen Fan bin ... aber das Video war toll und interessant.
Woah...that blade Runner poster is awesome, where’s it from?
I bought it about 15 years ago here in Canada in a poster shop. It was already laminated. I still have it! I should use it in m y next video! cheers!
Assuming the style 3 is still available, why did you choose to buy the 2 instead of the 3, other than perhaps price? Also, have you played any of the style 5s, or is that for another time? Meanwhile, many thanx for a very professional review from the owner/player of a few vintage Martin ukuleles who had been very curious about the ukes Martin is making this second time around, so to speak. Can't tell you how much I enjoyed this review. Not mention how much I admire your playing skill.
Look forward to seeing it.
Rewatching this video again, gather more UAS. By the way Martin must have watched this...They now place a rosette around the sound hole of the OXK models.It a w/b/w style. They also changed the Martin sticker for the headstock to a more realistic looking so sticker.
+Tiki Den : Wow. You have good observational skills about the rosette on OXK. I noticed it didn't have one. Looked a little bare. The OXK is a great uke. I wrote two of my songs about Berlin on it. I even brought mine to Berlin. I gave mine away to a coworker who is also a guitarist who gave me the idea for the spiders scales. I wasn't playing it much once I had the style 2 and the 3 cherry. I thought someone could make use of it and not sadly sit in its gig bag.
Great video Peter, I really want the laminate soprano oxk. I played it and I love it. That Koa one is awesome looking but I can't afford it right now. Thank you for great demos BRO.
Thanks, Todd. I still think Martin ukes are the best after all these years. I've been playing the Bamboo OX all day.
I liked the Bamboo but just wasn't crazy about the colors I like the Koa print. Do you love yours?
I was playing my style 2 soprano all weekend, but just playing the OX "natural" Bamboo today. It's great too. It's my new travelling uke.
I love Soprano and Concert sizes.I did play the Bamboo at a music store and it was very nice and loud!
Yeah. Martin ukes are loud except for the 3 cherry soprano. It's more subtle.
Peter, I just bought an OXK, and I was wondering if I should buy a humidifier for it since its high pressure laminate. Do you use one?
+Alex Van Keulen : I heard it said before by a few people that laminates don't need any humidification, but the neck is still wood and any shrinkage causes the metal fret edges to get sharp. It also depends on the humidity of your place. I would get one and use it. Last summer, I didn't put in my air conditioner and my apartment was very humid and I took all my ukes out of their cases and they never sounded better being bathed in that humidity for two months. No joke. That surprised me.
+Peter Forrest Alright I will get one. Thanks! Your video was great by the way!
Great stuff Peter!
Thanks for giving us the opportunity to hear these compared on the same mic/same sitting. I love the sound of the S1 and it is well within my budget, but I have my eye on a C1K, which is at the edge of my budget. Any experience with the Mexican-made C1K or advice for a beginning player trying to decide between these two instruments? Either size is fine by me, but I'm really looking for some bang for my buck.
i just bough a Martin S-O (serial #11,193) from lady who has a music store in BC. what is that worth?
If you're buying new Martin ukes made in Mexico as some kind of an investment plan, you'd better stop right now. Put your money elsewhere. A uke is a musical instrument and any perceived value is what you'd get by putting it on eBay, Kiiji, etc. cheerio! Petey
Indeed. The acting contracts ran out when the HP movies finished, and I had to sell the grand piano to pay the rent, so I'm puttering on Martin ukes now. ;-) LOL hehe
Reading thru my new Martin Book it says they use Cedar kerfing maybe that's part of the smell
Thanks. I must have missed that.
What strings you use in your martin S-O? I will receive mine in some days and I love the sound that came from yours S-O.
I’m from korea and have a martin custom-shop guitar and i really love it so i wanted to buy an ukulele too , i have an dilemma between s1 and 2k because where they’re made from 2k sounds definitely better the problem is the price 😭
I assume you are talking about soprano ukes. I would go for the custom Martin style 2 mahogany. I preferred that one, but they are all expensive. The S1 is fine but not at the higher quality level.
Enjoyable reviews ! I have an SO ! Do you still play ?
rarely
Great review merci beaucoup. Very inspiring, I have to do same kind of things. Last song is nice too.
Peter,
As-tu achete ton S1 a Montreal? J'ai bien l'intention d'en achete un suite a ton video :-)
Sinon chez Long & McQuade...
Mario
You're right! The mahogany Style 2 is the best sounding of the group....but they all sound great. I love the sound of the minor chords on these! Really nice video. One of the things that I love about Martin guitars and ukuleles...they have a smell that makes them all worth $1,000.00! Thanks for the video!
You're welcome. I love my style 2 the best, then the 3 cherry. I've played all of the new Martin sopranos except for the 5k and those two are my favs. Never had a Martin guitar but I will one of these days.
Hey...I have a 1963 Martin D-28 (Brazilian Rosewood) that my Dad bought new. The original price tag is still in the case.... $369.50 (I believe). :-) That guitar has been in the family so long, I can hold my ear to it and hear music even when no one is playing it!
ALL of your Ukes are great, and it was great to hear them all side by side by side!
Your dad certainly likes great guitars! I'm actually giving away a few of my not often used Martin ukes to my closest friends who play uke. My keepers are: 1) style 2 soprano 2) 3 cherry 3) style 2k concert 4) style 2k tenor.
Peter thank you for your videos !! I am going to buy a Martin S1 next week. I was wondering if buying a hardcase is necessary? Do you keep yours in a hardcase? I feel like the gig bag do not protect the instruments from humidity fluctuations.
Hi Camilo. I bought a hard shell soprano case. I sometimes use the gig bag if I want to travel light around town.
You are a pleasure to pleasure to listen to. I am a beginner uke player and I am so thoroughly enjoying the learning process. You really show what the potential is with this instrument. Don't think i will ever be near your talents, but it's something to strive for. You are also so entertaining to listen to you just talk. I gather from some of your other videos you have essentially given up guitar. is that right? and what made you make the switch?
Thanks for your nice comments. I played guitar since the age of 12 and I wrote a lot of songs on it over the years. However, I was playing mostly piano instead before I found the uke 10 years ago. I needed a small travelling instrument that I could sing with so the uke came to my mind by seeing them in a music store. Also, knowing the guitar helps to learn the uke at first, but I'm using techniques I never used on the guitar. This little instrument has taken me further musically than the guitar ever did. So, I stopped the guitar completely. This is common thing that happens to some uke players. Though, there is no reason to give up the guitar. One can do both. I just only have time for one and it's easier to carry and travel with.
I've created a yuku account but I can't post on the UMGF awaiting approval. Does it usually take 5 days?
Thanks for the great review and fantastic playing. I love and own a few vintage Martins (i.e., twenties 1M's, OM, 2M, and 1K) and a 40 1M. I haven't been impressed by new Martins (owned an SO and played a 5K [beautiful but overpriced]). Your video shows that the modern 2's perform quite well, but have you've played them against any vintage Martins? There's sound variation in vintage Martins (my 40's 1M sounds better than my 20's) so you'd have to find the right one for comparison. TIA, g2
Great review! What are the best hard cases that fit a Martin 2 Ukulele?
The style 2 fits into the standard hard soprano case. I find Uke Crazy cases are very heavy. I ordered a style 3 case from my Martin dealer. You can order one separately. I think they are called Crossrock ABS soprano ukulele case.
dont you think they are too expensive? always wanted one of those...
I like them, but i Think a big Island Ukulele or a koaloha is better for the same price...
did you buy them new or used? how much was the 2K
Hi peter amazing as always. How many ukuleles do you own?
+technoalah : Thanks, but it's been varied over the years... you should really ask the question "How many good ukuleles do I own?"... I would say about 7 now.
Peter my friend, that Martin Style 2 is Soprano or Concert? I like the sound.
Soprano. I love the style 2 soprano. I use it most weekends.
Love your style!
Thanks.
Thanks to your inspiration from the great videos I’m now starting to learn how to play the Uke
Try to get the best uke you can afford (within reason) when starting. I spent years tuning my bad ukes while learning and not getting much better in my playing. Good luck!
Peter Forrest thanks for the encouragement :)
Très bien ! Maintenant, tu achètes les Kiwaya équivalents et tu les compares aux Martin.
Y'aura pas photo...
Thanks Petey, very interesting and funny, too. I´d prefer the 2K, I´m not a big fan of mahagony sound.
Perchance to dream! ;-) I've got two more on the way so I've been selling them even to myself! LOL
Hi Peter, is the style 2 still you favorite????
Yes. Also the cherry 3 soprano as well.
Can you tell me what the newprice was from Soprano 2m (style2)???
@@akipachoekie : Hi Mario.. they don't make them anymore. Just Google Martin and the term Ukulele and you can see what they still make. You could (if you have a stash of cash) go to the Martin custom shop on their website and ask for one. They will make you one for a price. I know they do that.
Forgot to ask what strings are on the style 2 ????
@@akipachoekie : M600 from Martin.
Salut, est-ce que ça vaut la peine de dépenser 100$ de plus pour le S1 au lieu du OXK...merci. Bonne revue!!!
+Phil Paradise : Ça depend. Les deux ukes sont excellents... mais le S1 est plus comme un vrai uke Martin. Oui, ça vaut la peine à mon avis.
+Peter Forrest Ok merci pour la réponse ;)
thank you for the info...
Not a problem. 8-)
Prof. Snape is playing Ukulele..??
Thank you
De nada
I think the S1 is the best uke for the money.....I think the style 2 koa sounded best with your style of playing.
I actually gave the Koa 2 away a number of years back to a friend. I did use it in a song a did about Glen Gould. The 3 cherry sounds best for my style but I didn't have it back then.
Petey, do you know the weight (in grams) of your Martins?
No. Not even the Martin site lists their weights. They all seem pretty typical to other ukes except for the OXK that is heavier.
Peter Forrest Thanks for getting back to me. The topic came up on the Cosmos concerning light weight ukes and the vintage Martins were very light compared to modern ukes. I suspect the new Martins made in Nazareth are similar to the vintage US models.
J Boy Shyne: Interesting. I don't have a scale handy to weigh them. Sorry. Interesting topic, indeed!
Join us on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. We have the Four String Funhouse where we are already talking about your wonderful video.
Vous êtes allemand ? Ou peut-être de Alsace lorraine ?
Je suis Canadien mais je me débrouille très bien dans la langue de Goethe.
@@PeteyHoudini Ah super, j'aime bien t'es vidéos 👌
do you have a balalayka?
+Danny Peychev : No. Just a mini Sitarulele.
Ukulele class dismissed! And I thought I was incognito! hehe
forgot to add, Martin should be sending you Free ukes to review. I'm sure you've sold many for them
I have an S-1 but the bracing doesn't go all the way across and a piece of the top broke off right where the bracing stops about an inch short of edge :( You must not be raising kids - you have ukes instead! Love my kids, but it's a sacrifice.
5onCover : Ukes are kids that never leave home! hehe
THanks!!!!
SNAPE
Его прям распирает когда он калинку играет
Я не понимаю ваш комментарий.
it means that you really like kalinka tune
I do! My little snowball bush in the garden! hehe